Magic rice, locally known as Kumol Saul, which translates to soft rice, is probably the only variety of rice which needs no cooking. It can be considered to be the rice counterpart of instant noodles.

All one needs to do is soak the rice grains in some warm water for about 10-15 minutes, or in cold water for about 30 minutes, and it's done.

It owes its unique softness to low content of Amylose, a starch component that contributes to the hardness of food grains. It contains upto 80% less Amylose compared to regular varieties of rice, which makes it easily digestible and easy on the stomach.

This fragrant and fluffy rice has a subtle flavour and can be accompanied with a variety of ingredients. traditionally it is blended with curd/cream, jaggery and fruits and served as sweet treat on festive and auspicious occasions.

This underrated variety of rice is a quirky and sustainable alternative to conventional rice at a time when energy conservation is becoming a priority everywhere.